- A
`zip`
Correct. The `zip` filter takes two lists and returns a list of tuples, each tuple containing one element from each input list. This combines the two lists into a single list structure.
- B
`union`
Correct. The `union` filter merges two lists into a list containing all unique elements from both input lists, effectively combining them into one list.
- C
`intersect`
Why wrong: Incorrect. The `intersect` filter returns only the elements that appear in both lists. It does not combine the two lists; it selects common elements, which is not a combination of all elements.
- D
`combine`
Why wrong: Incorrect. The `combine` filter is used for merging dictionaries, not lists. It cannot combine two lists into one.
- E
`flatten`
Why wrong: Incorrect. The `flatten` filter is used to flatten nested lists into a single flat list, but it takes a single list as input, not two separate lists.
Merging Lists Using union and intersect Filters
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of transform data with filters and plugins. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO filters can be used to combine two lists into one? (Select exactly two.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
`zip`
Option A (`zip`) is correct because the `zip` filter in Ansible combines two lists by pairing elements from each list into a single list of tuples, effectively merging them into one list. Option B (`union`) is correct because it merges two lists into a single list containing all unique elements from both. Option C (`intersect`) is incorrect because it only returns elements common to both lists, not a combination of all elements. Options D (`combine`) and E (`flatten`) are incorrect: `combine` works on dictionaries, not lists, and `flatten` reduces a nested list structure, it does not combine two lists.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
`zip`
Why this is correct
Correct. The `zip` filter takes two lists and returns a list of tuples, each tuple containing one element from each input list. This combines the two lists into a single list structure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
`union`
Why this is correct
Correct. The `union` filter merges two lists into a list containing all unique elements from both input lists, effectively combining them into one list.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
`intersect`
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The `intersect` filter returns only the elements that appear in both lists. It does not combine the two lists; it selects common elements, which is not a combination of all elements.
- ✗
`combine`
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The `combine` filter is used for merging dictionaries, not lists. It cannot combine two lists into one.
- ✗
`flatten`
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The `flatten` filter is used to flatten nested lists into a single flat list, but it takes a single list as input, not two separate lists.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates might think any filter that operates on two lists and produces one output qualifies as 'combining'. However, `intersect` selects common elements rather than merging all elements. Also, `zip` produces a list of tuples, which some may not consider a true combination because it doesn't merge the elements. But the question's wording 'combine two lists into one' includes `zip` as it does produce a single list from two inputs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `union` filter in Ansible is implemented via Jinja2's `unique` filter internally, ensuring no duplicate elements in the result. The `intersect` filter uses set-like logic to find common elements, but note that both filters preserve the order of the first list for the output. In real-world playbooks, `union` is often used to merge host lists from different inventory sources, while `intersect` is useful for finding overlapping groups, such as common servers between two dynamic groups.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the EX294 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX294 question test?
Transform data with filters and plugins — This question tests Transform data with filters and plugins — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: `zip` — Option A (`zip`) is correct because the `zip` filter in Ansible combines two lists by pairing elements from each list into a single list of tuples, effectively merging them into one list. Option B (`union`) is correct because it merges two lists into a single list containing all unique elements from both. Option C (`intersect`) is incorrect because it only returns elements common to both lists, not a combination of all elements. Options D (`combine`) and E (`flatten`) are incorrect: `combine` works on dictionaries, not lists, and `flatten` reduces a nested list structure, it does not combine two lists.
What should I do if I get this EX294 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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